The professor continued his discourse, his voice bearing the weight of millennium-old knowledge. But just as he was about to delve into the complexities of mana theory, the bell rang, interrupting him mid-sentence. The class whimpered in unison, but Faneel didn't mind. He had other thoughts running in his head. The next session was physical education. They would explore the fundamentals of mana for mages and breathing techniques for warriors.

  The teacher entered the class and requested every student to move to the field for physical education.

  The professor with glasses spoke, "To the new students who have just joined the session. To figure out your elements, channel the mana, and visualize the elements that attract your mana the most.

  The new students were surrounded by the magiclues (mana substances in the air). They meditated around the elements. Each scholar in physical education was fully engaged in their own process. One student held his hand above a small flame, testing whether the element would respond to him.

  A few others were meditating under a school waterfall, seeking a connection with the water element. Likewise, a group of students sifted out different stones and soil to channel earth elements.

  Moreover, students seeking air elements tried to levitate small objects like leaves and wood in their surroundings. Faneel observed the scene with amusement, he found the spectacle to be quite entertaining.

  There were seniors who were able to channel niche elements beyond the four orthodox elements like wood, ice, metal, and sound magic. They were considered special cases but the majority of students belonged to the four major factions.

  Faneel tried to mediate with all of the elements' essence around him one at a time. He closed his eyes and tried to vibrate with elements like fire, water, earth, and air- he tried them all. But nothing was working out. It was only the first day of practicing the elements, he didn't stress on it.

  However, few students were able to break through and figure out their elements on the very first day, they were mostly water, fire, earth, and air elements. Even among these four, air was the rarest, while fire and water were common among the mages with elements.

  The mages who were unable to find their affinity were mainly involved in research or carving runes in the warrior's weapons. They were not considered powerful in battle power but they were a valuable support system for both mages and warriors.

  Unfortunately, rune carvers were unable to wield the weapons because they required warrior breathing techniques to maximize their power. The society of mages was divided into three categories. The upper echelon was made up of four elementals, and below them were niche mages like wood, sound, and light. Below them are the rune carvers and researchers. The administrative and political power were ceased by a group of four main elements.

  Faneel was having a tough time figuring out his element. But he was not impatient, as he looked forward to learning the new concepts of magic every day. After talking with a few people around him, he understood a little bit about the society of mages, which was not very different from the society of warriors.

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  Meanwhile, in the center of the Thrall clan's territory, Alder Sama, a vocal leader both loved and feared by his subordinates, was ruminating over enlisting the young wolf mage who had broken through his IV-grade enforcer. However, he was also in a dilemma as he never met any Beasters with the ability to perform magic. Nonetheless, he was intrigued to find an individual from a rare beast clan as a mage. It was something out of the old stories.

  Alder spoke gruntly, "Cloud, make preparations for the initiation for Faneel."

  Cloud, the ambassador of the Thrall clan, goes to Faneel's dorm. He meets other students, who are fascinated to meet an official from the Thrall clan. They start showboating themselves to be scouted.

  Cloud addresses, "Could you please help me out to find Mr. Faneel."

  Ghoster who talked with Faneel earlier, comes to the aid of Cloud.

  "Here, sir, his bed is by the end of the hall beside the window."

  Cloud walks towards the dorm, he sees students playing cards, studying, and arm wrestling each other. They are being silently observant towards every motion of the Thrall's representative.

  Cloud meets Faneel, and he excitedly speaks, "Hey! You are Faneel, right?"

  Faneel speaks with a collected attitude, "Indeed I am. Who wants to know?"

  Cloud introduced himself, "I am Cloud, third ambassador of the Thrall clan. I want to talk to you about your initiation in the Thrall clan."

  Faneel speaks being amazed, "I didn't know people scouted me, is it because of my fight with Pikey."

  Cloud replies immediately, "Indeed it is. You have made quite an impression on the leader of our clan."

  Faneel, with pride, adds, "Tell me then, why should I join your clan among the three, if you say that I have made an impression; then other clans might offer me better terms.

  Cloud continues, "Confident, aren't you? Please be patient with me. We're offering you an opportunity to rise up through the ranks beyond Sinki.

  Faneel vehemently listens, "I can understand, and my relationship with Mitta might have weighed in your decision. I want you to comprehend that I don't want to be in the shadow of Bach.

  Cloud adds that your demands are quite strong for a newbie. Let's make a bet then, if you can push me one inch from the place where I am standing, then you can make any demands to join our clans. If not, then you have to join Thrall with your minimum terms.

  Faneel instantly agrees. Both of them engage in the competition of strength. It looked like a powerful force against an immovable object. Cloud had become one with his body, mind, and the ground beneath him.

  The young wolf used all his force but couldn't shake him. All of the spectators in the dorm are amazed by the energy used by both. Cloud was a senior in front of Faneel.

  Cloud looked like a meek, thin, and overly cautious person. However, the wolf boy didn't expect the wits and strength to overwhelm him.

  Cloud says, "Always keep your guard up." Cloud sweeps his leg, and Faneel falls face-first.

  The wolf boy acknowledges Thrall's ambassador, he understands that he has a better future with the clan. However, some doubts still lingered in his head.

  Faneel spoke politely, "Please lay out your terms."

  The silver-haired ambassador spoke, "There are three simple rules, first, you have to follow our commands. Second, to ascend to better ranks, you can only challenge your seniors if you have something to offer in exchange. Third, you are subject to Alder Sama from now on, you can't join other factions, period.

  Faneel, "Who is Alder Sama?"